Nea. Where's the Prince?
Cra. He does expect us at the place I shew'd you.
Enter Merione and Servant.
I hear ones footing, peace, 'tis she;
Mer. Now leave me,
I know the way, though Vesta witness with me
I never trode it with such fear: help, help.
Cra. Stop her mouth close, out with the Light, I'll guide you.
[Exeunt.
Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima.
Enter Merione (as newly ravished.)
Mer. To whom now shall I cry? What pow'r thus kneel to?
And beg my ravisht honor back upon me?
Deaf, deaf, you gods of goodness, deaf to me,
Deaf Heaven to all my cries; deaf hope, deaf justice,
I am abus'd, and you, that see all, saw it;
Saw it, and smil'd upon the villain did it:
Saw it, and gave him strength: why have I pray'd to ye,
When all the worlds eyes have been sunk in slumbers?
Why have I then powr'd out my tears? kneel'd to ye,
And from the Altar of a pure heart sent ye
Thoughts like your selves, white, innocent, vows purer
And of a sweeter flame than all the earths odours?
Why have I sung your praises, strew'd your Temples,
And crown'd your Holy Priests with Virgin Roses?
Is it we hold ye powerful, to destroy us?
Believe, and honor ye, to see us ruin'd?
These tears of anger thus I sprinkle toward ye,
You that dare sleep secure whilst Virgins suffer,
These stick like Comets, blaze eternally,
Till, with the wonder, they have wak'd your justice,
And forc't ye fear our curses, as we yours.